Resourceful Designer: Strategies for running a graphic design business

Latest Episodes:

Using Pitch Work To Grow Your Design Business - RD328 Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I explore the concept of pitch work as a powerful tool for growing your design business.

I explain the difference between pitch work and spec work, detailing how pitch work involves presenting work to a client they didn't ask for, potentially for free or at a discount.

Through personal experiences and anecdotes, I outline how pitch work has helped me grow my design businesses, including entering a new niche and building my portfolio.

I present various scenarios where pitch work can be beneficial, from offering discounted services to approaching potential clients with innovative design ideas.

My practical insights and real-world examples make this episode a must-listen for designers looking to leverage pitch work for business growth.

10 Steps Toward Design Business Success - RD327 Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer!

In today's episode, titled "10 Steps Toward Design Business Success," I have an incredible lineup of tips and strategies to share with you.

Whether you're just starting in the design industry or looking to take your established business to new heights, there are ten critical factors you need to consider. I will dive into each step.

These steps are crucial in ensuring the growth and success of your design business. So, grab your notebook and get ready to take your business to the next level!

Let's dive right in.

Tell Your Design Clients What You Do - RD326 Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 326 of Resourceful Designer. In this episode, I highlight the importance of informing your clients about your full range of services.

Drawing from my own experiences, I emphasize how clients may not be fully aware of everything you are capable of. By sharing my own revelations and successful strategies for informing clients, I shed light on opportunities for designers to expand their businesses and nurture existing client relationships.

Join me as I revisit the valuable insights from episode 2 and explore the impact of effectively communicating your capabilities to your clients.

Logo Package Swatch with Michael Bruny-Groth - RD325 Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer!

In today's episode, I welcomes a special guest, Michael Bruny-Groth, the creator of Logo Package Express, Logo Package Portal, and the newest addition to the Logo Package family, Logo Package Swatch.

We dive into the details of Logo Package Swatch, a powerful tool that helps designers organize and display color palettes for their clients.

We discuss its features, customization options, and how it can prevent mistakes in copying and typing color codes.

We also explore the benefits of Logo Package Swatch, including its integration with Adobe Illustrator and the ability to find the closest Pantone color matches.

Additionally, we discuss Logo Package Express and Logo Package Portal, two other products that streamline the logo export process and provide easy access for clients.

So, whether you're a designer looking for better color organization or a client needing an efficient logo package management system, this episode has something for you.

Don't forget to use the exclusive discount code "RESOURCEFULDESIGNER" for a 20% discount on any Logo Package product (excluding Portal subscription)!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Resourceful Designer. Let's dive in!

You Are An Expert - RD324 Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to episode 324 of Resourceful Designer, titled "You Are An Expert." In today's episode, I share a personal story that taught him a valuable lesson about business. It may not be a story about design or web development, but it's one that you should hear. Join me as I recounts being stopped at a police roadblock and the unexpected expert status I discovered. Stay tuned to learn how knowing just a little more than someone else can make you an expert in their eyes. Let's dive in!

The Most Important Question To Ask Design Clients - RD323 Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode titled "The Most Important Question You Can Ask Your Design Client," I reveal a simple question that can transform your design projects. The question that toddlers ask incessantly can unlock new possibilities and strengthen client relationships. Join me as I explain how asking "why" can clarify client needs, guide project direction, and save you time and money. Stay tuned to discover the power of this fundamental question in the design process. Let's dive in!

Designing Success: Applying 'Selling the Invisible' to Your Graphic Design Business - RD322 Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the world of modern marketing and share my insights from the influential book, Selling the Invisible: A Field Guide to Modern Marketing by Harry Beckwith. Discover how the principles outlined in this book, originally written in 1997 but still applicable today, can revolutionize the way you run your graphic design business. From the importance of showcasing your work and emphasizing value over features, to building trust and creating memorable experiences for your clients, I break down the key points in Beckwith's book and applies them specifically to the design industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights to help you succeed in your graphic design business.

Beyond The clock: The Pitfalls of Hourly Rates for Designers - RD321 Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

On today's episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss the pitfalls of hourly rates for designers. Inspired by a conversation in a design-related Facebook group, I explore the common practice of billing by the hour and the negative impact it can have on a designer's income.

Using personal anecdotes and insights, I explains how charging by the project or value-based pricing can lead to more successful and lucrative design work.

So, if you're a designer who is tired of being stuck in the hourly rate trap, or if you're curious about alternative pricing strategies, then this episode is a must-listen.

Get ready to go beyond the clock and discover a new way to earn what you're truly worth. Welcome to Resourceful Designer!

Navigating Pro Bono Design Work for Non-Profits and Charities - RD320 Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Hey, design enthusiasts! In this episode, we're diving into the world of pro bono design work for nonprofits and charities. We'll demystify the differences between nonprofits and charities, debunk the budget myth, and explore the pros and cons of offering your design skills for a good cause. I'll also share my personal criteria for selecting projects, including the "Three's the Magic Number" rule. Plus, I'll spill the beans on a clever tax receipt strategy that benefits you and the organization. Tune in for tips on making your pro bono endeavors a win-win for everyone involved!

The Curse Of Knowledge - RD319 Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, I'm diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many of us in the design world: the Curse of Knowledge. I'm sharing personal experiences, like insider knowledge and navigating design jargon, to shed light on how it can lead to misunderstandings with clients. But don't worry, I've got your back! I'll be dishing out practical tips to help bridge that gap, ensuring every conversation is crystal clear. So, join me on this journey as we master the art of transparent communication and strengthen those all-important client relationships. You won't want to miss it!

Full show notes and a transcription of this episode can be found at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode319

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